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Ultimate Meal Prep High Protein Salad: Southwest Chicken and Chickpea Versions

Close-up of a flavorful high protein salad featuring shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and diced avocado.
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Make satisfying, high protein salad recipes for healthy lunches and quick meals that keep you full. This guide gives you two options: a Southwest Chicken Salad and a Vegan Chickpea Salad, both perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup frozen or fresh corn kernels
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • For the Dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil
  • For the Dressing: 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • For the Dressing: 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • For the Dressing: 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • For the Dressing: Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained (for Vegan option)
  • 1/2 cup chopped cucumber (for Vegan option)
  • 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper (for Vegan option)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Southwest Chicken Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and red onion.
  2. Prepare the dressing: Whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  3. Pour half of the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to coat.
  4. For immediate serving, layer the romaine lettuce in bowls, top with the chicken mixture, diced avocado, and cilantro. Drizzle with remaining dressing.
  5. For Meal Prep: Divide the dressed chicken mixture among four airtight containers. Keep the lettuce, avocado, and dressing separate until serving time to prevent sogginess.
  6. Prepare the Vegan Protein Salad: In a separate bowl, combine the rinsed chickpeas, cucumber, and bell pepper.
  7. Dress the chickpea salad with 2 tablespoons of the prepared dressing or a simple vinaigrette of your choice.
  8. Store the vegan salad separately in airtight containers for up to four days.

Notes

  • For the best meal prep results, store wet ingredients (like dressing and avocado) separately from the greens and protein base.
  • You can substitute grilled salmon or hard-boiled eggs for chicken to create different high protein salad variations.
  • To boost the protein count further, add 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds to either salad before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://rosatasty.com/high-protein-salad-recipes-meal-prep/